The Virginia Fraternal Order of Police, the Commonwealth’s largest organization of sworn law enforcement officers, today endorsed 2017 Republican nominee Ed Gillespie for governor. The endorsements add to Gillespie’s growing support across the public safety community, including endorsements from a majority of Virginia sheriffs and the Virginia Police Benevolent Association.
Speaking about the endorsement, Gillespie said, “The Virginia Fraternal Order of Police represents thousands of brave men and women who sacrifice every day to keep us safe, and I am honored by your endorsement. Law enforcement officers are fighting for us everyday, and as governor, I will fight for them. Providing for public safety is an essential responsibility of government, and I will have our law enforcement officers’ backs.”
“The Virginia Fraternal Order of Police is proud to endorse Ed Gillespie for governor,” said Virginia Fraternal Order of Police President Kevin Carroll. “As Virginia continues to face new and emerging threats, we need leaders in Richmond who will make public safety a top priority. Ed’s detailed plan to keep Virginians safe and his commitment to working with law enforcement officers, regardless of their political affiliation, leaves no doubt that he is the leader we need in the governor’s office. I look forward to working with him.”
In July, Gillespie released Job One: Keeping Virginia Safe, his plan to combat gangs, reinstate Project Exile and reward those who serve and protect. As governor, Gillespie will designate the Attorney General to Serve as the Commonwealth’s Anti-Gang Chief, secure funding for the Northern Virginia Regional Gang Task Force, ban Sanctuary Cities in Virginia, expand the “Youthful Offender Program” at the Virginia Department of Corrections, ensure the continuation of school resource officers (SROs) in schools, pursue funding of the Witness Protection Programs in violent gang activity, establish Gang Prevention Programming at Department of Education, and develop Alternative Educational Opportunities for Known Gang Members.
Find a full list of endorsements here.